Craving a break from the neon lights and buffets of Vegas? There’s no better reset button than a journey into the quiet, wide-open desert of Death Valley National Park!
In my opinion, Death Valley is severely underrated!
Less than 2.5 hours west of the strip, you can trade casino sparkle for salt flats, technicolor hillsides, canyon trails, other-worldly views, and some of the most dramatic sunrises in the U.S., and yes, it’s every bit as magical as it sounds.
Hi there! I’m Cindy, your personal adventure guide! As a frequent traveler, I always spend a ton of time researching before a trip, making sure it’s the best possible! This post breaks down everything I would do if I were to return on my own or with friends and family!
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a whole weekend adventure, this guide (based on my own experiences) will help you plan your perfect Death Valley escape. It covers everything you need to plan the perfect getaway:
✅ Best time to visit
✅ Drive routes from Las Vegas
✅ Must-see stops
✅ Hiking tips
✅ Food + lodging
✅ A tried-and-true 2-day itinerary
Let’s hit the open road — the desert is calling. 🌵
Planning Your Trip to Death Valley
Are you wondering, “Why should I go to Death Valley? Where is it, and when is the best time to go?” I got you covered! 👇
Why visit Death Valley from Las Vegas?
There are very few places in the U.S. where you can go from the hum of neon lights, slot machines, and LED screens to canyon walls and total desert silence in just a couple of hours.
What makes Death Valley so special:
✨ Vast salt flats and colorful badlands
✨ Flaming-gold sunrises and pastel sunsets
✨ Easy-access viewpoints
✨ Short hikes
✨ Star-filled night skies
✨ Surreal geology and dramatic temperature swings
✨ A feeling of solitude that’s hard to find anywhere else
Fun fact: less than 1% of the park is sand dunes. Most of the park is made up of mountains, salt flats, canyons, and badlands.
Where is Death Valley?
Death Valley National Park sits in eastern California, with a small portion extending into Nevada. It is the largest national park in the lower 48 states of the United States and one of the most accessible desert parks for a short road trip.
It’s about 2–2.5 hours from Las Vegas (~120 miles one way), along an easy, paved highway route.
Best Time to Visit Death Valley
Fall through spring is when the magic happens in Death Valley.
The Best Time to Visit:
Winter, spring, and late fall bring the best weather and comfortable hiking temps.
| Season | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| October–April | Best weather, perfect hiking temps |
| Late Feb–April | Wildflower potential (epic if it happens!) |
| May–September | Extreme heat — plan sunrise/sunset, hydrate, and avoid mid-day hiking |
The Worst Time to Visit:
Summer trips? They’re still possible, it will be HOT! Plan like you’re visiting Mars:
🕓 Explore mainly at sunrise and sunset.
💧 Carry far more water than you think you’ll need.
🥾 Avoid mid-day hikes
Day Trip vs. Overnight
| Day Trip | Overnight |
|---|---|
| ✅ Quick and easy from Vegas | ✅ See sunrise and sunset |
| ✅ Hit biggest highlights | ✅ Stargazing opportunities |
| ❌ Rushed | ✅ More time for hikes and exploring, less rushed |
If you can stay a night, do it. Watching the sun melt into the desert is unreal.
How to Get to Death Valley from Las Vegas
The best ways to get to the park are either:
1️⃣ Drive to Death Valley
2️⃣ Fly to Las Vegas and then drive in.
3️⃣ Go with a tour group from Las Vegas.
Closest Airport
The closest major airport is Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport.
Great news for you! Almost every major airline in the country flies into Las Vegas, making this an easy and affordable trip to plan from nearly anywhere in the U.S., with the airport also connecting to over 150 cities directly.
How far is it to drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley?
The drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley is about 2–2.5 hours (~120 miles one-way).
Recommended Driving Routes from Las Vegas
There are multiple paved driving routes possible from Las Vegas to Death Valley.
This map, created by the national park, outlines the four most popular options, including routes for those seeking the shortest, easiest, most scenic, and ghost towns.
Shortest & Fastest Route (Via Pahrump, Most Popular)
Most visitors enter from Las Vegas via Pahrump, the most direct and popular route. This is best for first-timers. It’s about 2 hours and 120 miles.
Las Vegas → NV-160 → Pahrump → Bell Vista Road → CA-127 → CA-190 → Furnace Creek
Scenic Route (Via Badwater Road)
This Badwater Road option is best for those looking for a drive with gorgeous scenic desert views as you approach (or leave) the park. It’s the longest in both mileage and time, at 3.5 hours long and ~170 miles.
Death Valley → CA-190 → Badwater Road (CA-178) → CA-127 → Shoshone → Tecopa Road → NV-160 → Las Vegas
How much does it cost to enter Death Valley National Park?
Death Valley National Park charges a $30 per-vehicle entrance fee. You can pay at the entrance station or visitor center, or use your America the Beautiful Pass if you have it.
Current pricing:
- Private vehicle: $30 (valid for 7 days)
- Motorcycle: $25
- Individual (bike/hike-in): $15
- Annual Death Valley Pass: $55
- America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80
More about the America the Beautiful Annual Pass: For $80, this pass grants you access to all of the United States’ National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service destinations, as well as covers fees at sites managed by the USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Army Corps of Engineers, and Bureau of Reclamation for one year!
Free National Park Entrance Days
If you’re looking for an affordable way to visit the park and crowds don’t bother you, visit on one of the National Park’s free admission days. Here are the dates for 2026.
Must-See Sites in Death Valley
These three spots should be at the top of your list of what to see in Death Valley:
Zabriskie Point
Start your day here if you can. This is the sunrise spot in the park. The sunrise lights up the badlands in bright golds and soft pinks. It’s pure magic and worth the early wake-up call.
Badwater Basin Salt Flats
This is the lowest point in North America at -282 feet below sea level, and one of the most surreal landscapes on earth. Visit at sunrise or sunset for cooler temps and gorgeous light.
Tip: walk farther out on the flats to see the hexagon salt-crystal patterns up close.
Artist’s Palette
Along Artist’s Drive, this stop is famous for clay hills in soft greens, pinks, and purples, which make it truly look painted!
Best time: twilight — either just before sunrise or right after sunset — when the colors really glow.
On my visit, I went late in the afternoon, and the palette of tones was beautiful.
Discovering Lesser-Known Attractions
These stops are less often visited, but are worth stopping at if you can fit them in!
Devil’s Golf Course
A quick stop — jagged salt formations stretch toward the mountains. The texture here is wild and unlike anything else in the park.
Mosaic Canyon
If you’re into polished marble-like walls, mosaic rock textures, and twisting canyon paths, this slot canyon experience is for you. (On my trip, I chose Rhyolite instead, but this canyon hike is on my list for my next visit!)
Dining Options in Death Valley National Park
There are grab-and-go and sit-down restaurant options available in the park.
No matter how you plan to eat while there, I recommend packing extra snacks, regardless, because the distances are bigger than they seem on a map!
Grab and Go Style Options Inside the Park
There are two grab-and-go style options in the Furnace Creek area of the park:
The Ranch’s General Store
Furnace Creek Visitor Center
Sit Down Restaurants Inside the Park
And then there are a handful of sit-down restaurant options in the park as well:
In the Furnace Creek Area:
In the Stovepipe Wells Area:
In the Panamint Springs Area:
Where to Stay: Inside the Park
When trying to find a spot to stay in Death Valley, you can go as rustic or glam as you’d like!
Campgrounds Operated by the Park
There are many camping options operated by the park (including developed, primitive, and backcountry), but only one of their campgrounds has sites with electric hookups, Furnace Creek Campground:
Furnace Creek Campground
This is the only campground in Death Valley with electric hookups, making it especially popular. It’s centrally located near Furnace Creek Visitor Center, dining, gas, and major park highlights. Sites are reservable during peak season (from October 15 to April 15).
Be sure to book early if you’d like to stay here. This campground is ideal if you want convenience without leaving the park.
Private Campgrounds in the Park
OHYÜ RV Site: Offering full RV hookup sites.
Panamint Springs Resort: Offering tent cabins, full hookup RV sites, and dry sites.
The Oasis at Death Valley Fiddlers’ Campground: Their sites do not have water, sewer, or electricity.
Lodging in the Park
As for hotel lodging options, there are four within the park:
The Inn at Death Valley
The Inn at Death Valley is the more upscale of the two Furnace Creek resorts and the park’s most luxurious lodging option, complete with a spring-fed pool, palm trees, mountain views, and an on-site fine dining restaurant.
It’s perfect if you want a lavish, relaxing, resort-style stay after long days exploring the park.
The Ranch at Death Valley
More casual and family-friendly than The Inn, The Ranch at Death Valley offers comfortable rooms, a relaxed atmosphere, multiple dining options, and a central location close to trails and viewpoints.
It’s a slightly cheaper option than the Inn for travelers who want to stay inside the park. However, it’s still also quite the splurge.
Panamint Springs Resort
Located on the western border of Death Valley, Panamint Springs Resort is ideal for travelers who prefer a laid-back, off-the-beaten-path vibe.
Lodging options include tent cabins, motel-style rooms, and RV sites, plus an on-site restaurant with mountain views and a strong sense of desert character.
Stovepipe Wells Village
Stovepipe Wells is a convenient base near Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and several other major viewpoints.
Lodging here is simple but functional, with a general store, gas station, and restaurant on-site — perfect for travelers who would like something a little cheaper than the Furnace Creek options, but still within the park.
Where to Stay: Outside the Park
Pahrump (closest to Vegas) and Beatty (close to Rhyolite) are the nearest towns for lodging outside the park (and for access to supplies).
Hotel & VRBO Vacation Rental Lodging in Pahrump
Pahrump offers the widest variety of lodging options near Death Valley, including budget hotels, casinos, and vacation rentals.
It’s a great choice if you’re coming from Las Vegas, want lower nightly rates, or need easy access to groceries, gas, and restaurants before entering the park.
Hotel & VRBO Vacation Rental Lodging in Beatty
Beatty is a small desert town near the park’s eastern entrance and close to Rhyolite Ghost Town.
It’s a convenient option if you plan to explore the northern or eastern side of Death Valley, with a handful of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals available.
RV Parks & Camping
Saddle West Hotel, Casino and RV Park
Wine Ridge RV Resort & Cottages
Harvest Hosts
There are also Harvest Host options available on the outskirts of the park, most of which are located in Pahrump.
If you don’t know about Harvest Hosts, you can learn more about that option here.
2-Day Death Valley Itinerary from Las Vegas
Here is my step-by-step two-day itinerary to help you pack it all in!
Day 1
| Time | Stop |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Enter from Las Vegas |
| Sunrise | Badwater Basin |
| Mid-Morning | Devil’s Golf Course |
| Late Morning | Golden Canyon → Red Cathedral Hike (4 miles RT, can shorten. This hike winds through narrow sandstone canyons and ends at stunning red cliffs. Great morning hike before the heat kicks in.) |
| Lunch | The Ranch’s General Store |
| Afternoon | Dante’s View (The parking lot has a beautiful view, but I recommend taking an extra 20-30 minutes out of your day to hike the trail to the right of the parking lot. A short stroll up shows you a vastly larger portion of the valley area, and you get an even grander panorama with fewer people around.) |
| Golden Hour | Artist’s Drive |
| Twilight | Artist’s Palette |
| Dinner | If you’re staying in the Stovepipe Wells area, eat at Toll Road Restaurant or Badwater Saloon. If you’re staying in the Furnace Creek area, then eat at The Inn Dining Room instead. |
| Night | Stay inside the park if possible |
Day 2
Starting from Stovepipe Wells:
| Time | Stop |
|---|---|
| Sunrise | Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (These golden dunes, set against a mountain backdrop, offer views of classic desert beauty. Going for sunrise provides soft light, long shadows, rippling sand, and quiet.) |
| Morning | Rhyolite Ghost Town & Goldwell Open Air Museum (The Rhyolite Area is about a 1-hour 40-minute round-trip detour. It’s fun if you love quirky, weird art and seeing the shells of old west structures and sealed mine entrances. If you do not, then swap this stop for Mosaic Canyon instead.) |
| Lunch | Toll Road Restaurant or Badwater Saloon in the Stovepipe Wells area |
| Afternoon | Twenty Mule Team Canyon Drive (Swap the order of this one and the next one if you started at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.) |
| Golden Hour | Zabriskie Point |
| Exit | Scenic drive via Badwater Road for the scenic route home. |
Starting from Furnace Creek:
| Time | Stop |
|---|---|
| Sunrise | Zabriskie Point |
| Morning | Twenty Mule Team Canyon Drive (Swap the order of this one and the next one if you started at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.) |
| Lunch | Toll Road Restaurant or Badwater Saloon in the Stovepipe Wells area |
| Afternoon | Rhyolite Ghost Town & Goldwell Open Air Museum (The Rhyolite Area is about a 1-hour 40-minute round-trip detour. It’s fun if you love quirky, weird art and seeing the shells of old west structures and sealed mine entrances. If you do not, then swap this stop for Mosaic Canyon instead.) |
| Golden Hour | Zabriskie Point or Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (Pick whichever one you didn’t start your day at. Go for golden hour if you can!) |
| Exit | Scenic drive via Badwater Road for the scenic route home. |
Worth Considering Adding in if You Have More Time:
If you find yourself with more than two days in Death Valley National Park, consider adding these stops to your itinerary:
- Natural Bridge Trail
- Harmony Borax Works
- Sidewinder Canyon Hike
- Ubehebe Crater
- Father Crowley Vista Point
- Wildrose Charcoal Kilns
- Eureka Dunes
- Ghost Towns
- The Racetrack
- Titus Canyon Road
Tips for Different Traveler Types
There are many different ways to visit Death Valley! Whether solo or with others, here are some tips:
Families
For family trips, it’s best to plan early activities, take a break midday, and bring extra snacks and water. Also, be sure to check out the dunes! Kids love the dunes!
Solo Travelers
As with all solo travel, stay aware, hydrate, and download offline maps.
Couples
Some romantic options in the park include watching the sun rise with coffee in hand, a twilight walk at Artist’s Palette, and stargazing from Furnace Creek!
Groups
Car caravans are fun out here. Agree on meeting points since cell service drops frequently.
Guided Tours vs. Self-Driven
There are pros and cons to seeing the park on a guided tour vs on your own. Use the following to help you choose your adventure style beforehand.
Guided Tours from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park
Tours are great if you want:
- Zero planning
- Transportation covered
- A guide sharing desert history + geology
But note — you’re on someone else’s schedule. Here are some tours regularly leaving from Las Vegas:
Self-Driven Excursion
My pick: self-drive. You get to control your pace, your stops, and how long you can soak in each view.
And trust me — those slow moments in the desert? They’re the best part.
Here are some audio guides that can enhance a self-driven experience:
Gas Stations and Refueling Tips
Fuel up before entering! The most convenient spot is Pahrump (or Beatty if you’re approaching from the north). However, there is gas available inside the park at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells (just pricier).
Packing Essentials for the Journey
Once you’re in the park, services are very spread out. Bring plenty of water — desert air is no joke.
All of these items are ideal to pack:
✅ Refillable water bottles/hydration packs
✅ Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
✅ Layers (desert mornings/nights get cold!)
✅ Comfortable hiking shoes
✅ Offline maps (service is sparse in many areas!)
✅ Lots of snacks and a cooler with ice
Optional but awesome items:
📸 Camera
🧺 Picnic lunch
🧤 Light gloves (if visiting during winter mornings)
🕶 Polarized lenses for salt flats glare
📱 Download the Golden Hour App before arriving: Some of the park’s most spectacular views are seen at either sunrise or sunset. It’s a great idea to download a Golden Hour App before arriving at Death Valley.
Death Valley from Las Vegas FAQs
Here are answers to some of the questions I get most about Death Valley National Park:
Can you do a day trip to Death Valley from Las Vegas?
Yes — but if you stay overnight, you’ll be able to see more.
Is Death Valley worth the drive from Las Vegas?
Absolutely. The contrast is mind-blowing.
How long is the drive from Vegas to Death Valley?
About 2–2.5 hours one way.
How many days are needed to visit Las Vegas and Death Valley?
In one day, you can see the highlights.
In two days, you can leave the park feeling like you’ve seen what it has to offer
In three or more days, you can explore beyond the surface level.
Final Thoughts: Ready to Trade Neon for Nature?
Vegas has energy like nowhere else, but Death Valley has something special, too, the kind of beauty that feels like stepping onto another planet!
An avid outdoors explorer put this itinerary together to provide a foolproof way for you to have the best, worry-free time while at Death Valley!
If you need proof that this planet still has wild, strange, impossible-seeming magic — this is your sign to go. And the best part? It’s just a short drive from Las Vegas.
Bring water, snacks, curiosity, and give yourself permission to slow down. The desert is waiting. 🌵✨
I hope you have the best two days at Death Valley National Park! Enjoy your visit!
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